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Senior Qualitative Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Qualitative Researcher

$130K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SUMMARY The Qualitative Research Scientist IV leads complex qualitative and mixed-methods research initiatives. Provides strategic direction, methodological leadership, client consultation, and ...

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Senior Qualitative Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do senior qualitative researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior qualitative researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Qualitative Researcher vs Qualitative Research Analyst?

AspectSenior Qualitative ResearcherQualitative Research Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Social Sciences, Market Research, or related fields; experience in qualitative methodsBachelor's/Master's in similar fields; strong qualitative research skills
Work EnvironmentLeading research projects, designing studies, mentoring junior staffConducting interviews, analyzing data, preparing reports
Industry UsageMarket research firms, corporate R&D, consultingMarket research firms, marketing departments, academic settings

The main difference is that Senior Qualitative Researcher typically leads research projects and mentors others, while Qualitative Research Analysts focus on data collection and analysis. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are used across various industries, but the senior role involves more strategic responsibilities.

What are some of the main challenges senior qualitative researchers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Senior Qualitative Researchers often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges in balancing timelines, ensuring consistent data quality, and maintaining clear communication with clients and stakeholders. Effective prioritization and diligent project management are essential, as is the ability to adapt research methodologies to meet the unique needs of each project. Collaborating closely with team members and leveraging digital tools for data organization can help streamline workflows and mitigate stress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior qualitative researcher?

To thrive as a Senior Qualitative Researcher, you need expertise in research design, data collection, and analysis methods such as interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observation, typically supported by an advanced degree in social sciences or related fields. Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software like NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or MAXQDA is often required, along with knowledge of ethical research practices. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and project management skills set top professionals apart by enabling them to lead studies and translate insights into actionable recommendations. These skills are crucial for producing rigorous, impactful research that informs decision-making and advances organizational or academic objectives.

What does a senior qualitative researcher do?

A Senior Qualitative Researcher leads and designs research projects that focus on gathering non-numerical insights, such as opinions, motivations, and behaviors, through methods like interviews, focus groups, and observations. They are responsible for developing research methodologies, analyzing qualitative data, and translating findings into actionable recommendations for organizations. Their expertise is often used to inform product development, marketing strategies, or policy decisions by deeply understanding human experiences and perspectives.
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Infographic showing various Senior Qualitative Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

$130K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY
The Qualitative Research Scientist IV leads complex qualitative and mixed-methods research initiatives. Provides strategic direction, methodological leadership, client consultation, and oversight for high-visibility research programs. Demonstrates expertise in qualitative methodology, study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. serves as a holding company with multiple subsidiaries engaged in several lines of business (Business Services, Health, Infrastructure and Engineering, Mission Optimization, Technology and Transportation) for the federal government and commercial enterprises. A portion of our profits is used to support Chickasaw citizens. We are proud to support the economic development and long-term viability of the Chickasaw Nation and its people. CNI offers premium benefits eligible on the first day of hire to full time employees; (Medical - Dental - Vision), Company Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, 401(K) Immediate Vesting, Professional Development Assistance, Legal Aid Assistance Program, Family Planning / Fertility Assistance, Personal Time Off, and Observance of Federal Holidays.
As a federal contractor, CNI is a drug-free workplace and adheres to the Federal Controlled Substance Act.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to obtain and maintain the required customer clearance for access to systems, facilities, equipment and property.
Demonstrated experience developing qualitative instruments and conducting pilot and cognitive testing.
Experience training and certifying interviewers, including trauma-informed and stigma-aware interviewing techniques for hard-to-reach populations
Strong knowledge of qualitative coding and codebook development.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Assists in the development and design of qualitative data collection instruments (interview guides and focus group protocols) as standardized core instruments with bounded site-specific modules.
Plans and conducts pilot and cognitive testing with nine or fewer participants per instrument to remain outside PRA scope prior to clearance.
Assists in the development and implementation of the Qualitative Interviewer protocols covering research ethics, informed consent, trauma-informed interviewing, guide administration, and secure data handling.
Certifies site interviewers through scored mock interviews and co-facilitates interviewer sessions.
Conducts ongoing fidelity quality assurance through structured review of session audio samples, providing written feedback and triggering refresher training as needed.
Assists in codebook development, including definitions, application and exclusion rules, and coded examples, and supports inter-rater reliability processes.
Delivers biannual all-site trainings, including qualitative methods training for health department staff.
Contributes methodological content and training artifacts to the replication toolkit.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master's degree and a minimum of seven or more (7+) years' of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
EOE including Disability/Vet
The estimated pay range for this role is $130K to $140K, with the final offer contingent on location, skillset, and experience.
CNI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401(k)
  • Family Planning/Fertility Assistance
  • STD/LTD/Basic Life/AD&D
  • Legal-Aid Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) - (11) Federal Holidays
  • Training and Development Opportunities

Your application submission will be considered for all potential employment opportunities with Chickasaw Nation Industries (CNI).